Bill > S606

This bill aims to promote continuity of care for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) by requiring insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover disease-modifying prescription drugs that the individual has already been prescribed and taking. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. The Group Insurance Commission (GIC), which provides health insurance coverage to state employees, must cover disease-modifying drugs for MS that the individual has already been prescribed and taking. 2. All accident and sickness insurance policies, blanket or general insurance policies, and employee health and welfare funds that provide hospital and surgical expense coverage in Massachusetts must cover disease-modifying drugs for MS that the individual has already been prescribed and taking, as long as the individual has been diagnosed with MS and has been stabilized or achieved a positive clinical response on the drug. 3. Contracts between subscribers and hospital service plans, medical service agreements, and health maintenance organization (HMO) contracts in Massachusetts must also provide coverage for disease-modifying drugs for MS that the individual has already been prescribed and taking, under the same conditions. The bill aims to ensure that individuals with MS can maintain their existing, effective treatment regimen without interruption, even if they change insurance plans.